Up the mountain they came starting thursday night to get relief from the heat of the valley below.  Riders from Arizona looking for some competition out of the blazing sun, and the California riders looking for the same.  Ron Kemper and his family Johnna,  Shamus & Creed did a wonderful job of carving out an arena for us at Hamilton Ranch, and with the help of Craig & Shirley Hughes and Todd & Debbie Ross the arena was finished off with flags and an exit gate.  Gratefully the winds that have kicked up at this venue in the past stayed away and the warm 86 degree temperature was just fine for all. 

Campsites were plenty under the shade of tall pines, with water and facilities available for all.  This event was the California Desperados Grand America awarding double points the the competitors.  New riders the Rodriguez family of Marco Antonio, Evita and Lorena were resplendant in traditional attire, the girls even competing for their very first time side saddle. What a show of horsewomanship they displayed.

We were able to complete 4 stages on Saturday, leaving enough time for riders to put their steeds away and still get cleaned up for the potluck Saturday night.  Buck Cantrell's Cantina was flowing with good food and tasty fruit margaritas and warm company.  Not to be outdone, Fernando's Mango & Pineapple margaritas were magnifico.  A good time was had by all!

The competition resumed on Sunday with two more stages before we knew the outcome. It was tight race between Jerry Bestpitch and ACMSA President John Bart vying for the overall title.  Jerry shot a clean weekend, John had one miss.  The outcome came down to hundredths of a second, going back to the tape to insure the totals were right.  The final scores 104.009 to 104.023, Jerry Bestpitch just ahead of John Bart.  Ladies winner was none other than reining Ladies World Champion, Junior rider Chantall Kort.  Her mom Mariette was beaming as she accepted her dinner plate sized buckle.

Awards were over in time for all to get a good start on the ride home, though we all wanted to linger a bit longer in the clean, cool air.